This award is made in recognition of the delivery of an exceptional, innovative or transformational contribution to the student experience in learning and teaching.

In 2016 the award was presented to Team Bath Racing: Dr Geraint Owen and Kevin Robinson in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Drs Geraint Owen and Kevin Robinson of Team Bath Racing were recognised by the Committee as having made an exceptional contribution to the quality of student learning at the University of Bath.

Every year, Mechanical Engineering students embark on a Group Design and Business project; for around 25 of these students the Formula Student activity is used as the basis for the project. Formula Student is a well-established international competition that challenges teams of undergraduate engineering students to design, build and race a small single-seater car.

In order to maximise the educational benefits to the students, Drs Owen and Robinson have always insisted that each new incoming team design and builds a complete new car from scratch, hence the project is entirely student-led.

Not only is exceptional supervision provided for the project but Drs Owen and Robinson are also tireless in their efforts to gain sponsorship and to manage the team’s involvement in the national and international competitions.

Through their dedication and commitment over the last ten years, Team Bath Racing has raised the profile and reputation of the University of Bath nationally and internationally. So successful have they been that Team Bath Racing has been the top UK team for the last 10 years and are now placed 15th in the international league table with the next UK team being placed around 80th.

The numerous and outstanding testimonials from Drs Owen and Robinson’s students clearly demonstrate the significant impact they have had on learning. Staff feedback also praised the work of the team on all levels contributing to the Committee’s view that Team Bath Racing were highly deserving of this award.